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Debutant Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma rescue struggling India
Debutant Niki Prasad and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma executed a brilliant rescue mission in Raipur to secure a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first women's T20I. Chasing a modest target of 115, India stumbled disastrously to 19 for 4 within the first 19 deliveries. Smriti Mandhana faced early pressure in her first outing as full-time captain when Zimbabwean off-spinner Nyasha Gwanzura demolished the top order. Gwanzura dismissed Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Anushka Sharma in quick succession. This challenging fixture highlights the growing depth of India's domestic cricket pipeline, particularly with talents like Prasad emerging from the Women's Premier League to handle international pressure.
Prasad stepped into the middle during a severe crisis. She initially focused on steadying the innings alongside Deepti Sharma. They constructed a match-winning 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Prasad rotated the strike intelligently, allowing her senior partner to attack. Deepti capitalised on this stability, striking three boundaries in a single over against Michelle Mavunga. Prasad demonstrated her class by driving and punching boundaries with precise timing, reflecting her recent strong form for India A.
Zimbabwe Shows Early Fight
Zimbabwe posted 114 for 5 after batting first at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Kelis Ndhlovu anchored their innings with a solid 42, sweeping effectively against the Indian spinners. Sharne Mayers added late fireworks, scoring a quick 43 not out and lifting her team past the 100-run mark. Nandani Sharma helped contain the damage by claiming two consecutive wickets in the final over.
India eventually crossed the finish line with 26 balls remaining. Deepti fell for 49 after attempting a sweep, while Richa Ghosh exited shortly after hitting a six. However, Prasad remained unbeaten on 39, calmly guiding her team to safety and ensuring a successful start to their home season.
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